TACOMA, Wash. — The driver of a school bus involved in a crash that killed a Tacoma woman in October will not face criminal charges, the Pierce County Prosecutor's Office informed Tacoma police detectives on Tuesday.
On Oct. 4, 32-year-old Brittanee Parker was found dead after she had taken her dog out in the morning near her apartment on South 11th Street.
The memo, obtained by KING 5, said the driver's actions were not negligent or criminal, even though she didn't stop after the collision.
The driver of the bus told investigators she believed she hit the dog, which ran away.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Miriam Norman said in the memo that in order to bring criminal charges, prosecutor's would need to prove the driver was operating the bus in an unsafe manner, and would need to have knowingly been involved in an accident.
"There is no evidence that [the driver] knew that she had been involved in a collision resulting in the death of any person. To the contrary, the evidence and [the driver's] actions show that she believed that she struck a dog which then ran away," Norman wrote. "There is no evidence [the driver] was operating the bus with disregard for the safety of others. Her speeds and her driving visible on the footage show normal operation of the bus."
Norman said investigators reviewed surveillance cameras located near the accident site as well as footage and audio from inside the bus. The driver, as well as some of the students, were heard talking about a crash with a dog, according to the memo.
Norman added in her letter that Parker was wearing dark clothing and visibility was low due to rain and darkness.
Parker's family released a written statement to KING 5 upon learning no charges would be filed.
"We are extremely frustrated with the way we have been treated by the Tacoma Police Department, the coroner's office, and detectives. We feel we have been intentionally misled, run around, and denied critical information," the statement said.
"We are furious. This is not just a tragedy; it is negligence. At the very least, the driver should be charged with involuntary manslaughter and hit-and-run. We will continue to push for accountability and justice for Brittanee."